A car accident has the potential to disrupt your existence within moments. Injuries that may take time to heal coupled with medical bills that keep piling up and insurance disputes that seem never-ending – such scenarios often leave victims in confusion about the next step to take. Accidents are, however, a regular occurrence in a crowded city like Baltimore where heavy traffic, busy intersections, and sudden changes in weather are part of everyday life. Thus, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that a Baltimore car accident lawyer is instrumental in your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
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Why Car Accidents Are So Common in Baltimore
Even the most seasoned drivers can find Baltimore’s roads hard to navigate at times. There are crashes at the nexus of downtown streets that are congested with traffic where people are speeding on major highways like I-95 and becoming distracted while driving. Besides these, the following are frequently the main reasons for road accidents:
- Being distracted while driving especially texting while driving
- Speeding and using aggressive behaviors while driving
- Driving drunk or impaired by any substance
- Getting involved in accidents caused by weather such as rain, fog, or snow
- Making risky lane changes in areas where the traffic is heavy
- Not obeying traffic lights
It is true that the victims of accidents that have resulted from any of these causes have suffered similar things – infliction of injuries, loss of income, psychological distress, and in some cases, permanent disabilities and that is why it is so painful for the victims to even think about the causes.
What to Do Right After a Car Accident in Baltimore
An accident victim’s decisions in the first few moments following the incident have the power to influence the injury claim they file. There are a few things one must always remember to do then:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If injuries are overlooked, it is only natural that what is inside will continue to worsen. Besides this, having a doctor’s report will be of great assistance to you from the legal perspective.
2. Call the Police
Without the help of a police report, it would be pretty difficult to prove your case. The report gives a detailed description of the accident, the people involved, and if there were any rules broken.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
Visual records of the following can be made if you have a camera at hand:
- Damage to vehicles
- Streets
- Traffic lights or road signs
- Physical injuries
- Car license plates
4. Exchange Information
Provide the other driver with your contact and insurance information. However, the talk of fault should be avoided at all costs and an apology should never be given as it may be used against you at a later stage.
5. Contact a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer
Your case will be strengthened the most by legal intervention very early in the process.
Why You Need a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer
Handling insurance companies and going through the legal processes on your own can be a lot to take at once. A proficient Baltimore car accident lawyer is always by your side to ensure your rights are protected and you do not get the short end of the stick from insurers whose only goal is to keep up their profits.
Among other things, a lawyer does the following:
• Investigates the Accident Thoroughly
Your attorney gathers proof, interviews witnesses, looks at cameras, and studies police reports to put together a winning argument.
• Handles All Communication With Insurance Companies
It is not uncommon for insurance adjusters to be on the lookout to propose the lowest settlements possible. Your attorney, however, takes on the role of a negotiator and works tirelessly to get you the amount that you are entitled to.
• Calculates the True Value of Your Claim
The trouble, which forms the basis of the case, originated as physical only, but the attorney very well understands that the injuries occur in other aspects of life as well, and he enumerates them such as, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future medical necessities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term disability
• Represents You in Court if Needed
It is very rare that the cases go to court, and thus, settlement is the most common outcome; however, in a situation where a company refuses to give you what you are rightfully owed, your lawyer will not hesitate to take you to court.
Types of Car Accident Cases a Baltimore Attorney Handles
A professionally qualified car accident lawyer in Baltimore is well-equipped and experienced to deal with the different types of collisions that are broadly categorized and these include:
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-run crashes
- T-bone accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Distracted driving crashes
- Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists
- Commercial vehicle and truck accidents
Each kind of case necessitates a tailored approach to legal action, which the attorney comprehends through his experience.
Common Injuries After Car Accidents
Car crashes leave a litany of injuries, some of which take up to weeks or months to manifest fully or heal. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts, bruises, and burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chronic pain
Injuries that you may think of as minor should still be treated properly for your health and to support your claim.
How Much Is Your Baltimore Car Accident Claim Worth?
What works in one case will not work in another. Determining the value of a claim depends on various factors such as:
- Severity of injuries
- Time missed from work
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Long-term medical care
- Emotional trauma
- Cost of vehicle repairs or replacement
- Insurance policy limits
An experienced Baltimore car accident attorney goes through each of these factors to come up witHow Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Maryland?
Maryland enforces very rigid deadlines when it comes to suing after a car accident. Generally, your time limits will be:
- Three years from the accident’s date within which to file a personal injury claim
- Three years for property damage claims
If you do not meet these deadlines, you will no longer have a chance to seek compensation. A lawyer will make sure that all your paperwork is submitted punctually.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Maryland is among the handful of states that apply the contributory negligence rule. In other words, it implies that:
If you bear only 1% of the fault for the accident, you can be totally barred from getting compensation.
Due to this restriction, it is very important to have legal representation on your side. They will strive to demonstrate that the other driver had sole liability.
Choosing the Right Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer
By selecting a lawyer, you should weigh the following factors:
- Knowledge of Maryland accident laws
- Record of successful settlements
- Reviews from the clients and their testimonials
- Good communication and transparency
- Being there for your case
- Without any upfront fees (mostly on a contingency basis)
Final Thoughts
Car accident recovery is troublesome and tiresome, but it does not mean that you should be left alone. A competent Baltimore car accident lawyer not only safeguards your rights but also takes care of the gnarled legal procedures and is always ready to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
In case you are inflicted with physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial loss, the suitable attorney gives you the liberty to concentrate on your recovery while he/she takes care of the rest. Legal support at the very beginning is among the smartest choices you can make after a crash in Baltimore.
h a reasonable amount of compensation.
